11 Fixes for AMD Adrenalin Software Not Working or Opening

AMD Adrenalin Software is a suite of tools for AMD graphics cards, offering features like performance monitoring, overclocking, and game optimization. However, some users reported that after updating the graphics card driver, the software is not working or opening in Windows 11. This guide will help you fix the problem if you fall into that category.

AMD Radeon Software is the same as AMD Adrenalin Edition. It is a general term, while AMD Adrenalin Edition is its official name. This software maximizes your PC’s performance and provides a better visual experience. If you’re having trouble opening it, here are a few things you can do to fix it.

1. Run AMD Radeon Software With Admin Privileges

If your AMD Adrenalin software isn’t opening, a simple fix is to run it as an administrator. By doing this, you give the software more control and access to system resources. To run it as an administrator, click the Windows icon and search for “AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.” Select “Run as administrator” and allow the software to make system changes when prompted.

2. Terminate Radeon Software Processes

If AMD Radeon Software is running in the background but not responding, terminating the process tree will resolve the problem. To do this:

Step 1: Launch Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc or Ctrl + Shift + Delete and selecting Task Manager.

Step 2: In the Processes tab, locate AMD Software in the Apps section, right-click, and choose End Task.

Step 3: Check for AMD-related processes in the Background processes section and close them by right-clicking and choosing End Task.

Step 4: Close and reopen the AMD Radeon Software to start fresh and clear up any glitches.

3. Modify CN Registry Key

Modifying the CN Registry Key is a quick fix for the AMD Radeon Software not working on Windows error. This method involves editing a specific registry entry to synchronize the software’s version with the installed drivers, eliminating the mismatch that often causes the software to malfunction and prevents access to its features.

To modify the CN Registry Key and restore the software’s functionality, follow these steps:

Step 1: Press Windows + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager. If prompted, select yes to launch the app and make modifications.

Alternatively, right-click the Windows icon and choose Device Manager.

Step 2: Double-click Display adapters > AMD Radeon.

Step 3: Go to the Driver tab. Choose the number next to the Driver version and press Ctrl + C to copy it.

Step 4: Close the properties window and Device Manager tool.

Step 5: Open Registry Editor from the Start menu. Tip: Here’s how to open Registry Editor on Windows 11 if you don’t know how.

Step 6: Select the data in the address bar and type the following command.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINEComputer\\SOFTWARE\AMD\CN

Step 7: On the right side, double-click the DriverVersion string. Clear the data.

Step 8: Paste the driver version number by pressing Ctrl + V in the box and click OK to save changes.

4. Erase CN Folder

The CN folder contains the configuration files and settings for Radeon Software. If it becomes corrupted or misconfigured, it can cause software malfunctions. However, deleting this folder will reset the Radeon software to its default settings, resolving any glitches or conflicts. To delete the CN folder, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Run box by pressing Windows + R on your keyboard.

Step 2: Type %localappdata% and click OK.

Step 3: Go to the AMD folder.

Step 4: Select the CN folder and click Delete.

Congratulations! The CN folder has been successfully removed. We suggest you restart your device to save the changes and regenerate the CN folder.

5. Rebuild Radeon Profiles

AMD Radeon profiles in Windows are predefined settings that optimize the performance of your AMD Radeon graphics card for specific tasks or applications.

If you’re experiencing software issues and don’t want to delete the entire CN folder, you can rebuild the Radeon profile from scratch. Here’s how:

Step 1: Click the Start icon in the taskbar and search for Run. Open it.

Step 2: Type %localappdata%/AMD/CN and click OK.

Select gmdb.blb and delete it from Step 3.

6. Disable or Re-Enable AMD Radeon Graphics

Another solution to get your AMD software back on track is to disable and re-enable it. This can help fix minor problems.

Step 1: Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.

Step 2: Expand Display adapters. Right-click your AMD Radeon graphics card and disable it.

Step 3: In the pop-up, click Yes to confirm.

Step 4: Wait 1-2 minutes, right-click the AMD Radeon graphics card again, and select Enable device.

7. Update Graphics Driver

Drivers are tools that help your hardware work well with the latest software. If you’re having trouble with AMD software not opening on Windows, it could be because your driver is out-of-date. You can follow the steps below and update your graphics driver to solve this.

Step 1: In the taskbar, right-click the Start icon and choose Device Manager. If prompted, click yes to grant permission to the app to make changes to your device.

To review Step 2, open Display adapters and double-click it. Choose your AMD graphic driver, right-click, and select Update driver.

Step 3: Click ‘Search for drivers’ in the pop-up.

If an update is available, install it and reboot your system.

If you’ve updated your Windows or AMD driver and now the AMD Adrenalin software isn’t working, it might be because your computer hardware doesn’t get along with the new software. We recommend returning to the graphics driver’s older version. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Press Windows + X on your keyboard and choose Device Manager.

Step 2: Look for Display adapters and open it. Launch the AMD driver by double-clicking it.

Step 3: Go to the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver, and follow the on-screen instructions. Finally, click OK to save the changes.

Tip: When no previous driver version is available, the Roll Back Driver button grays out.

9. Reinstall AMD Radeon Software

Reinstalling your AMD Radeon software can be a simple yet effective solution for any issues you may be experiencing on your Windows system. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth reinstallation process:

1. Open a web browser.

2. Visit the AMD website.

3. Download the latest Radeon software.

4. Run the installer.

By following these steps, you can effectively address any glitches or corrupted files that may be causing problems with your AMD Radeon software.

10. Install Pending Windows Updates

Your AMD Radeon software may not function properly due to outdated Windows. Sometimes, we update the graphics driver but forget to update Windows. This can be the main cause of the problem, as the updated software is optimized to work better with the latest Windows update.

Here’s how to update your Windows:

Step 1: Press Windows + S on your keyboard and open the Settings app.

Step 2: On the left pane, select Windows Update. Click the Check for updates button.

Step 3: The system will search for updates. If there are any, click ‘Download and install all’ to get them.

11. Perform Clean Boot in Windows

One root cause of your AMD Adrenalin software not working or opening is another program potentially causing the problem.

Typically, performing a clean boot on your Windows computer can help resolve this issue.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run app. Type msconfig in the search box and click OK.

Step 2: Head to the Services tab. Check the box next to ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ and click Disable all.

Review:

Step 3: Now, click the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.

Suggested revision:

Step 3: Click the Startup tab and open Task Manager.

Step 4: Disable startup tasks by selecting and clicking Disable. Close the window after completing this task.

Return to the Startup tab in System Configuration and select OK.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully performed a clean boot on your Windows. The next time you restart your computer, it will start in a clean boot environment.

AMD Adrenalin Software Up and Running

Troubleshooting AMD Adrenalin Software not working or opening on Windows 11 can be tricky, but the article above should have helped you resolve the problem. Share which fix worked for you in the comments below.